He answered, with a smile, he was to have the reputation of a
wise man with L100,000 in his pocket, and was practicing the
solemnity which he was to act in the other world. A little
farther we met a company of very merry spirits, whom we imagined
by their mirth to have drawn some mighty lot, but, on inquiry,
they informed us they were to be beggars.

The farther we advanced, the greater numbers we met; and now we
discovered two large roads leading different ways, and of very
different appearance; the one all craggy with rocks, full as it
seemed of boggy grounds, and everywhere beset with briars, so
that it was impossible to pass through it without the utmost
danger and difficulty; the other, the most delightful imaginable,
leading through the most verdant meadows, painted and perfumed
with all kinds of beautiful flowers; in short, the most wanton
imagination could imagine nothing more lovely. Notwithstanding
which, we were surprised to see great numbers crowding into the
former, and only one or two solitary spirits choosing the latter.

On inquiry, we were acquainted that the bad road was the way to
greatness, and the other to goodness. When we expressed our
surprise at the preference given to the former we were acquainted
that it was chosen for the sake of the music of drums and
trumpets, and the perpetual acclamations of the mob, with which
those who traveled this way were constantly saluted. We were
told likewise that there were several noble palaces to be seen,
and lodged in, on this road, by those who had passed through the
difficulties of it (which indeed many were not able to surmount),
and great quantities of all sorts of treasure to be found in it;
whereas the other had little inviting more than the beauty of the